A family-owned daily newspaper serving Riverton, Lander and Fremont County, Wyoming since 1949

Cowboys practice in full pads

Aug 11, 2013 - By Bruce Tippets, Sports Editor

Full pads was the story on Saturday at Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium as the Cowboys practiced in full pads for the first time this fall.

The offense enjoyed some good production from its quarterbacks and a number of receivers, while the defense stood out in a goal-line series late in the scrimmage.

Head coach Dave Christensen continued to be impressed with the strong effort he saw from his team during the first week of fall camp, but he encouraged his team to be more physical as Saturday's practice progressed.

"We were physical at times today, but it is something you have to do consistently," said Christensen. "We'll keep harping on it. Again it was the first day in pads. I was pleased with the effort out there. We just need to be a more physical football team."

The Cowboys competed in a number of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 situations during Saturday's practice. The offense generated 377 passing yards during those periods.

He completed his bachelor's degree at CU with one year of college eligibility remaining, so will be eligible to play for the Cowboys this season.

Kirkegaard's TD pass was the longest of the day, a 54-yarder, and was also caught by Darden, during an 11-on-11 period.

Darden's 83 total receiving yards on those two TD receptions led the Pokes.

Norman had six total catches for 45 yards and one TD on the day.

All of his catches were on passes thrown by Smith. Redshirt freshman Nico Brown also caught six passes to tie Norman for the team high. Brown tallied 82 total receiving yards, with five of his six catches being on passes thrown by Thompson. Brown's other reception was a 46-yarder from Smith.

The defense stood out in the final period of Saturday's practice -- a goal-line period. With the ball placed at the defense's nine-yard line, the No. 1 offense faced the No. 1 defense, the No. 2 offense faced the No. 2 defense and the No. 3 offense was matched up against the No. 3 defense. The defense consistently kept the offense out of the end zone to conclude the day's nearly two-hour practice.

The Cowboys defense also had a couple young defensive backs step up with big plays on Saturday. Redshirt freshman strong safety Cortland Fort intercepted Thompson on a long pass to the end zone during a 7-on-7 drill.